1999 Jaguar XJ vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1999 Jaguar XJ is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Jaguar XJ (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 672 kg more than 1978 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Jaguar XJ is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1999 Jaguar XJ. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Beta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1999 Jaguar XJ (393 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Jaguar XJ | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Jaguar | Lancia |
| Model | XJ | Beta |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 59 L |
